Principal Lawyer: Planning, Highways & Licensing Lead

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a Principal Lawyer to provide expert leadership on planning, highways and licensing decisions shaping our borough. You will lead a specialist legal team advising on complex matters and ensure robust, transparent decisions that benefit residents.

Based in London, the role involves guiding senior officers and elected members, attending committee meetings, and working across two central London authorities in a bi-borough service.

Qualifications

• Qualified Solicitor or Barrister entitled to practise in England and Wales.
• Strong experience in planning and highways or licensing law.
• Proven track record leading or managing legal teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication with senior officers.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of around ten legal professionals delivering high‑quality advice.
• Handle a caseload of complex planning matters and advise elected members.
• Attend committee meetings providing governance and legal guidance.
• Contribute to policy development and service improvements within two councils.

Skills

Team leadership

Planning law

Highways law

Licensing law

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified Solicitor or Barrister

Job description

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking a Principal Lawyer to provide expert leadership on planning, highways and licensing decisions shaping our borough. You will lead a specialist legal team advising on complex matters and ensure robust, transparent decisions that benefit residents.

Based in London, the role involves guiding senior officers and elected members, attending committee meetings, and working across two central London authorities in a bi-borough service.